Pumpkins come in unique shapes, sizes and hues and have diverse flavours. They are a rich source of Vitamin A, potassium and fibre. Unlike vining gourds and cucumbers, they do not require a trellis or stakes for support. As the fruits are large and heavy, the plants are allowed to spread on the ground. Ideally grown on the edge of a garden bed where it receives adequate sunlight, they can also be grown in large troughs or grow bags. As with most plants, they thrive in loose, well-drained soil and under direct sunlight which allows the fruit to ripen evenly. Most kitchen gardens have a few pumpkin vines growing with companion crops, or even on a compost heap. Though they are considered monsoon crops, pumpkins can be grown throughout the year — successive planting will provide a steady supply of fruits. Look for local varieties like amir or new hybrids like arka suryamukhi , ambili , suvarna and sooraj in succession for a wide range of flavours and textures.
Soil: Pumpkins and other cucurbits grow best in neutral or slightly acidic soil. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Add neem cake or neem solution to the soil a week before planting. Mix organic matter, wood ash and well-rotted manure into the soil. Pumpkins grow best when sown on a raised soil base with a depressed ring below to keep it moist but well-drained. The mound should be about 8-12 inches high and around 2 feet circumference at the base. This can also be done on a long raised ridge with the same proportions.
Sow: Soak the seeds in warm water for a day to promote germination. The seeds can be started in a nursery and shifted later, but for best results sow directly in prepared beds. If they are to be planted on flat ground, keep a distance of 3 feet for the vines to spread out. For raised soil, flatten the top of the heap and press the seeds an inch deep — 3 seeds per mound or 3 feet apart if it is on a ridge. For terrace gardens, use large deep troughs with at least 1.5 feet depth and sow 2 seeds in each.
Moon Phase: Pumpkins, like all cucurbits, are best sown after the second quarter, as the moonlight increases and the gravitational pull decreases.
Companion Plants: Corn, radish. Marigold and nasturtium grown alongside will deter pests. In turn, the leafy foliage of the cucurbits deters weed growth, which is a boon for its companion plants.
Care: Once the seeds have sprouted, restrict weed growth around the seedlings with an organic mulch of leaves or grass cuttings. Remove weak seedlings at this stage. As the long vines supply nutrition to the plants, they should be well-maintained by trimming dead leaves and weak side vines. Watering is best done in the evening, preferably by drip tubes which supply water directly to the roots; excess water on the leaves can cause powdery mildew. Deep drenching once a week is sufficient to keep the soil and plant moist. Protect against aphids, ants and other pests by spraying with a neem solution; peppermint solution is another insect repellent which can be sprayed once a week. Look for squash bugs under the leaves and remove them by hand. The plants should be nourished weekly with compost tea or diluted panchagavya . Once the flowers appear, sprinkle wood ash around the plant on alternate weeks to supply potash.
Pumpkins produce male and female flowers on the same plant and are naturally pollinated by insects. Often, nature doesn’t comply and the plant will produce malformed fruit. To ensure this, pollination can be done manually. Identify the flowers — the female flower has a small fruit at the base and the male is distinguishable by its absence. Rub the male flower over the female flower to transfer pollen. This will increase chances of healthy well-proportioned vegetables.
Harvest: Most pumpkin varieties can be harvested after three months, when the fruit has ripened on the vine.
Saving Seeds: Save enough seeds from the ‘best-of-the crop’ for the next season. Let the pumpkin ripen on the vine and leave to soften further. Remove the seeds and leave to dry completely in direct sun. Mix with ash and store in an airtight container.
